Method and arrangement for the external, non-invasive heating of metallic splints using an alternating magnetic field

摘要

This invention is a system for producing an alternating magnetic field of appropriate strength and then directing it towards the body of a person or animal in which a metallic splint (stent) has been implanted. The strength of the field is continuously controlled by a computer. As the magnetic strength varies periodically the magnetic flux in the metal undergoes hysteresis because of its magnetic resistance. To overcome this resistance energy is expended and this appears in the metal as heat. This heating affects only metals and not body tissues and other materials. In other words, implanted metals can be heated remotely and non-invasively up to the desired temperature. The heating of such metals will probably delay reconstriction mechanisms of the vessels, and with certain metals increases their dimensions, a fact that can prove very useful in medicine. Finally, the application of heat may also prove therapeutic in other disorders, such as neoplasias etc.